For the first time in the 2024-25 NBA season, the Indiana Pacers will go on the road and take on the Charlotte Hornets. After winning each of their last two games against the Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic, the Pacers are now 4-4 and are aiming to get over the .500 mark. Luckily for Indiana, the Hornets are just 3-5 to start the season and narrowly avoided a four-game losing streak after Brandon Miller's game-winner against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.
Last season, the two teams split the season series, winning two games a piece, with the Hornets defeating the Pacers in their most recent matchup. Tonight, both teams are looking to make a statement, meaning their is potential for a great game.
Here is the full injury report for both teams ahead of Friday night's game.
11/8 Pacers full injury report vs. Hornets
- T.J. McConnell (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
- Andrew Nembhard (left knee) - PROBABLE
- Aaron Nesmith (left ankle) - OUT
11/8 Hornets full injury report vs. Pacers
- Miles Bridges (right knee) - OUT
- DaQuan Jeffries (right hand) - OUT
- Brandon Miller (right shoulder) - PROBABLE
- Nick Richards (rib) - OUT
- Grant Williams (back) - PROBABLE
- Mark Williams (left foot) - OUT
The most notable member of the Pacers' injury report is T.J. McConnell, who is a new addition. Listed as questionable, there is no indication how likely he is to play against Charlotte. If he misses the game, the Pacers will likley give more minutes to Ben Sheppard.
Additionally, depending on his status, Andrew Nembhard could see some more time running the point as well if McConnell is out. Nembhard missed most of the Pacers' win against the Boston Celtics and the entire loss against the New Orleans Pelicans last week. However, he played against Dallas and Orlando and will likely play tonight as well.
The Pacers continue to play without starting small forward Aaron Nesmith, who has missed the last two games due to an ankle injury. In his absence, the Pacers will likely continue to run Bennedict Mathurin, who has had a fantastic season so far, in the starting lineup.
While the Pacers are dealing with some injuries and illnesses, it is not nearly as bad as what Charlotte is dealing with. Miles Bridges, who has started every game for the Hornets this season, suffered a knee injury and will miss multiple weeks. Furthermore, the team will be without DaQuan Jeffries, Nick Richards, and Mark Williams.
They are expected to have Grant Williams on the court, however, despite his back injury.
Projected starting lineups
Indiana Pacers
PG: Tyrese Haliburton
SG: Andrew Nembhard
SF: Bennedict Mathurin
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Myles Turner
Charlotte Hornets
PG: LaMelo Ball
SG: Brandon Miller
SF: Josh Green
PF: Grant Williams
C: Taj Gibson